Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County, Florida

Dietary Supplements For Treatment of Arthritis From the Cleveland Clinic

2007-07-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic

Many people with arthritis -- especially osteoarthritis -- use supplements to ease the pain of arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most well known and best tested. Methyl sulfonylmethane, or MSM, is another supplement used to ease the pain of arthritis, but it has not been through as much rigorous scientific testing.

What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. In the body, they are the building blocks for cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage.
There are conflicting studies on glucosamine and chondroitin, some demonstrating a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis pain. Others, including the NIH-sponsored multicenter

Glucosamine/Chrondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), did not show benefit for the primary outcome measure of osteoarthritis pain measured by WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMacster Universities). However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate to severe pain did show significant relief. Due to the small size of this subgroup, these findings should be confirmed in larger studies.

The supplements, which are available in pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription, are well tolerated and appear to be safe. However, there are no long-term studies to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness. Many physicians may still recommend a trial of glucosamine at this point, and if there is not apparent improvement by 3 months, it would reasonable to stop the treatment.

It is important to check with your doctor before starting any new treatments. Your doctor can review the other medications you are taking and help you decide whether or not these arthritis supplements are right for you. In addition, always follow the instructions on the medication label. Do not take more of the supplements than is recommended. Continue Reading ...

All About Osteoarthritis and Women

2007-07-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

By Jeanie Lerche Davis

WebMD Feature

Reviewed By Charlotte Mathis, MD

If you've just been diagnosed with osteoarthritisosteoarthritis (OA), you're not alone. Many women past age 50 discover OA is the reason for their creaking knees, aching backs, and sore fingers. Suddenly life is all about osteoarthritis -- but luckily, arthritisarthritis doesn't have to take control.

Arthritis is "the most common form of disability. It's also a natural part of aging," says Primal Kaur, MD, director of the Osteoporosis Clinic at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

In the U.S., one in five adults has osteoarthritis -- 24 million women and 17 million men, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Continue Reading ...

The New Face of Smoothies

2007-06-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Smoothies have taken on a healthier and tastier flare!

By Star Law rence WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

This year, Americans will guzzle down $6 million worth of commercially blended smoothies and countless vats of homemade snacks and meals contained in a single glass.

Smoothies have jumped out of the health food stores and into tony cafes, duking it out with specialty coffees as the "grande" drink of choice. The chalky powders and additives with the funny aftertaste are gone. Even the humblest street vendor is offering upscale jolts like wheatgrass and whey.

What role does this popular drink have in a healthy diet?

Pat Crocker, a home economist, culinary herbalist, and author of The Smoothie Bible, tells WebMD that smoothies are a valuable way to get the recommended daily intake of 5-10 fruits and veggies. Smoothies are filling, portable, and quick -- all pluses in this busy society.

Basics of Smoothie Construction

Crocker recommends each smoothie contain at least half a cup of liquid. Possibilities include:

Water
Orange juice (could be juice concentrate diluted as directed)
Apple juice
Yogurt (unflavored or natural is best)
Kefir (enzyme-enriched yogurt-like milk product)
Soda water (this creates "sparklers," especially delicious with veggies)
Ice chips
Since smoothies are soft, often sweet, and milkshake-like, what about ice cream? "Not if you are interested in healthy smoothies!" Larrian Gillespie, MD, author of The Menopause Diet, exclaims to WebMD.
Once the liquid is in the blender, it is time to add the fun stuff. Gillespie reels off a produce department of yummy ingredients you could try:
Bananas (almost a must in smoothies because they thicken the mixture. Crocker says to cut into 4 sections -- she includes almost all peels, except banana peels)
Grapes
Strawberries
Blueberries or other berries
Oranges and citrus (skip the yogurt with these)
Raw or cooked veggies (cooked are fine, don't forget those)
Papaya
Apples (the pectin can carry off toxins, Crocker says)
Nuts
Flaxseed
Kelp
Split peas
Tofu
Goat cheese

Continue reading ....

Just Plane Stiff

2007-05-18T13:17:00.000-05:00

by Linda J. Brown

Posted 2/17/07

Stiff, achy joints and muscles can be felt by anyone who sits through a long airline flight, but especially by those who have arthritis.

"You have to keep moving to keep your joints from getting stiff and painful," says Marilyn Moffat, PhD, professor of physical therapy at New York University. Moffat, who advises walking the aisles as much as possible during flights, developed the following simple moves, each repeated five to 10 times, for the American Physical Therapy Association.

Heel raises. Sit with feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Lift heels off floor, hold for five to 10 seconds and lower heels to the ground.

Ankle circles. While sitting, lift right leg slightly off the ground and circle your foot clockwise. Circle 15 times clockwise and 15 times counterclockwise. Repeat with the left foot.

continue reading ...

ASG-SLC Next meeting & Summer Vacation 2007 (no meetings)

2007-04-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

The next Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County meeting will take place May 4th, Friday, at 12-1:30PM, located in the National Training Center/ Education Department on the South Lake Hospital campus in Clermont. Elizabeth Morse, MDiv, Spiritual Care Coordinator at South Lake Hospital, will be giving a presentation on “Relaxation and Guided Imagery”. She is licensed as a Guided Imagery specialist and is very knowledgeable about reducing chronic pain thru relaxation. Come join us and maybe leave with LESS pain! Bring a friend, sweater and snack. Fee: FREE. Brochures, pamphlets and literature are available during the meeting.

We will not meet during the summer (June, July & August) and resume our monthly support group meetings starting again on September 7th, Friday with Dr. Kenneth Stark, Rheumatologist, as our special guest speaker.

For more information call Meg King (352) 243-2098.

Omega-3s Revealed

2007-04-20T12:05:00.000-05:00

Researchers have long known omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Now they know how.

by Linda RichardsPosted 2/12/07

Understanding how your body benefits from eating omega-3 fatty acids is an important part of understanding why you should eat them. But, until recently, no one really knew what made omega-3s so beneficial. Researchers, however, have uncovered the secret of omega-3 fatty acids. A study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston revealed that omega-3s actually convert into compounds that are 10,000 times more potent than the original fatty acids themselves. So what does this mean to us? The new compounds include resolvins, which help bring the inflammatory response to an end, says the study’s lead researcher, Charles Serhan, PhD, director, Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury at Harvard Medical School, Boston. Continue reading ...

New Drug for Arthritis?

2007-04-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

New drug for arthritis?: Merck seeking FDA approval for Arcoxia, a chemical relative of Vioxx, which was linked to heart attacks

Kathleen Kerr, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.

Mar. 21, 2007 -- In a bid to recapture a piece of the arthritis pain-relief market, Merck & Co. is seeking government approval for Arcoxia, a chemical relative of Vioxx, the drug pulled off drugstore shelves in 2004 after being linked to heart attacks.

In its last full year on the market, Vioxx brought in about $2.5billion in sales. If the Food and Drug Administration approves Arcoxia, Merck could recoup some of those sales.

On April 12 an FDA advisory panel will consider approval of Arcoxia for osteoarthritis; it is already sold in 62 other countries. The FDA usually follows advisory panel recommendations. Continue reading ...

FDA Whistle Blower Blasts New Arthritis Drug

2007-04-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

FDA whistle-blower Graham blasts new Merck arthritis drug

Updated 9/12/2006 9:51 PM ET

By Rita Rubin, USA TODAY / Health & Behavior

The arthritis drug that Merck has developed to compete with Celebrex may be as risky for the heart as Vioxx, writes Food and Drug Administration whistle-blower David Graham in an editorial posted online Tuesday by a medical journal.

In considering whether Arcoxia should be approved, "the FDA, academia, and the medical research enterprise are once again faced with the opportunity to forsake common sense by willfully accepting misdirection and disinformation presented in the guise of science," Graham writes on the Journal of the American Medical Association's website. Continue reading ...

Reminder - Next Arthritis Support group Meeting is April 6th, Friday

2007-04-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

Reminder - Next Arthritis support group meeting is March 2nd, Friday ...

2007-02-26T18:06:00.000-05:00

The Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County will meet Friday, March 2, Friday from 12 noon till to 1:30 pm. The Arthritis Support Group meeting takes place at the National Training Center / Education Department, 1109 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont.

All afflicted by Arthritis (there are more than 100+ types!), family, friends and those interested are welcome. Fee: Free. Brochures and literature is available at the meeting.

Guest Speaker will be Jennifer from the Clermont Herb Shop and Day Spa located in Historic Downtown Clermont. The topic and presentation will be about “Aromatherapy.” For more information, please call Meg King at (352) 243-2098.

Arthritis Support Group Meeting Reminder

2007-01-26T08:50:00.000-05:00

The Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County will meet February 2nd, Friday, at the National Training Center / Education Department, 1109 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont. The meeting will start at 12PM - 1:30 PM.

The Topic will be “Exercise and Nutrition Can Help Relieve the Pain and Inflammation Caused by Arthritis.” Put your sneakers on and bring a snack to share. We are going to have some fun!

Those that have Arthritis or those that are not sure, family, friends and anyone interested in Arthritis are welcome to attend the support group. Fee: Free. Brochures, literature and books are available at the meeting.

The Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County meets the 1st Friday of each month at the NTC. For more information, please call Meg King at (352) 243-2098.

Social Security Disability Q&A Meeting

2007-01-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon!

Carol Ponton, Attorney, from Hill and Ponton, Orlando, will be the special guest speaker. Ms. Ponton specializes in SSD benefits and will be available to answer your questions on how you can survive the procedure to obtain your benefits; whether you are just starting to consider or are far into your SSD application process.

Where: Watson Realty / Community Room
2nd Floor - Handicap accessible
1390 N Hancock Rd.
Clermont, FL 34711

When: February 3, 2007, Saturday, 10:00 AM - Noon

RSVP: Limited seating. Fee: Free.
Call Meg King at 352-243-2098 before February 1st.
Signing for hearing impaired available. Call for service.

Sponsored by the Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County, FL

Reminder - Next Arthritis support group meeting is January 5th, Friday

2007-01-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

The next Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County Meeting is this Friday, January 5th, at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Located at the National Training Center/ Education Department, 1109 Citrus Blvd., Clermont. Dr. Michael Visconti, from Visconti Acupuncture and Natural Medicine in Historic Downtown Clermont, will be our guest speaker. Hope you will come! Bring your lunch and a sweater!

In addition some of our members that also are diagnosed with FIBROMYALG IA (FMS) will begin a NEW “FMS Brunch Bunch” in 2007. They will meet for the first time at Perkins Restaurant in Clermont starting at 10:30 AM – Noon on the SECOND SATURDAY of each month. Ergo, January 13th, Saturday will be their first get-together.

Call Lisa Lawrence for more information regarding this new support group at (407) 276-2997. Fee: Free.

Look for our purple ribbons (for FMS) they will be wearing January 13th, Saturday, when you enter Perkins Restaurant (map)!

Massage May Help Knee Osteoarthritis

2006-12-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

Less Knee Pain and Stiffness Seen With Swedish Massage in Preliminary Study By Miranda Hitti

WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD
on Monday, December 11, 2006

Can A Massage Improve Your Health?

Dec. 11, 2006 -- Knees hurt? Massage may cut the pain and improve function if you have knee osteoarthritisosteoarthritis, a new study shows.

Massage therapy "seems to be a viable option" as an addition to other treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee, write the researchers.

continue reading...

November 3, 2006, Friday / Arthritis Support Group Meeting

2006-11-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

REMINDER: Next Meeting December 1st, 2006, Friday

2006-11-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County

DATE: December 1st, Friday

TIME: 12:00 – 1:30 PM FEE: Free

LOCATION: National Training Center
Education Department
1109 Citrus Tower Blvd.
Clermont, FL 34711

TOPIC: "Tips 'n Tricks on how to Survive the Holidays"

Welcome to everyone that is effected by Arthritis (100 + Types),
Family, friends, medical, community businesses & college students.

Eliminating Nightshade Foods Will Reduce Inflammation in Arthritis and Chronic Illness!

2006-11-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

I received an email this week from a new friend in our Arthritis Support Group asking more about certain foods that cause inflamation and pain. She told me after eating some eggplant she experienced an increase in her pain level. Knowing that one of our group topics was about the "No-Nightshades Diet" she asked for more information. Here is my reply to her:

Thanks or the email and I am so sorry you hurt after eating an eggplant sub-sandwich! Maybe the Nightshades Diet will be good for you too. I have been on this "food plan" for almost a year and it has really helped me (I don't use the nasty word "diet"... yuk!). Reduction of inflamation / chronic pain can occur by eliminating the NightShades food group for many people.

Certain foods can help us stay healthy - but they can also create problems with Chronic Illnesses such as Arthritis each day.

The Nightshades food group includes:

Tomatoes
Potatoes
Peppers (except black pepper – it’s O.K.)
Eggplant (as you probably found out L)

Use Hellman’s Mayonnaise because it doesn’t have paprika in it.
Hot dogs are out because they have paprika in them.
No more spicy foods that have peppers in them (boo).

I find it helpful to bring my own foods to parties and make special requests in restaurants. On airlines plan ahead and order a special diet plate too.

Several of our Arthritis support group members have purchased and started using the recipes in a No-Nightshades cook book called: Arthritis-Free Cooking by Joan Vogel and Pat Claudio.

Here are some web pages and attachments above that I hope will help you with your new journey in Arthritis and learning about eliminating foods that are called Nightshades:

Nightshades Research Foundation

I personally do NOT believe the Nightshades food group causes arthritis or takes it away. I take everything I learn about Arthritis and chronic pain with a "grain-of-salt", use what helps me and I don’t believe all that I hear from others. Be cautious. There are some insane websites and false cures out in the real world that are myths and filled with quackery.

When it comes to chronic pain I really believe we can live a more comfortable and less painful life by watching what we eat, include vitamins and supplements, choose open minded doctors, find medical treatments and therapies that help us as individuals. Be careful to NOT do what everyone else is doing – it could be a quack or a fad for the moment. Also exercise whenever we can. This is a healthy journey I would prefer to take for my OA, FMS, CFS, SS, DDD. Yes, chronic pain is also a pain in the a$$ (butt) too! A sense of humor helps a lot… LOL!

I do realize you are a busy woman with work, being a college student and a single mom. I want to share with you that at times I have to re-evaluate my life and clear my plate off occasionally by putting some goals on the "back burner" for awhile. That is to say ~ NOT ‘quit’ but maybe return to those plans later when I am feeling better.

For instance, I do love reading, college and sculpture (I am a frustrated artist) but I am not able to do all of them right now. After 5 years of adjusting to my life's new journey - I am just starting to read books again and I joined a book club this fall. I am going to return to my other goals at later dates. I have seen other people with Arthritis do the same. This keeps ‘hope’ in our lives by not dashing our dreams but still keeping them in sight for the future. I also want to learn to scuba dive! Of course with a little help because of my disabilities. I will sign up for a scuba diving class next summer, God willing. :-)

Sometimes we are doing too much at the initial onset of our Arthritis / Chronic Pain and need to simplify our life until we settle in with our new journey. Oh, yes… I know it is NOT at all pleasant initially when painful diseases land on our doorstep and refuse to leave. That’s the GRIEF process we will need to go through. Maybe Arthritis / Chronic Pain support groups could consider having a special guest speaker attend their meetings and discuss the grieving process for people with chronic pain. It is a life process that can not be ignored in order to gain a healthy balance in our lives again. This has been proved over and over gain.

Hope this information helps lift yor spirits, friend. All that I share is from my personal experience and researching Chronic Pain for many years. Our Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County in Clermont, FL, is a vital part of my healing process and getting on with my journey in life. All of the group members spiritually inspire me every month that we meet and for that I thank them dearly. See you December 1st, Friday, at our next monthly Arthritis Support Group meeting.

Until then,my friend ...

Warm Thoughts and Breezes,
Meg King
Volunteer Support Group Leader
Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County, FL

Reminder - Next Meeting 11/3, Friday

2006-11-02T22:27:00.000-05:00

November 3rd, 2006, Friday

Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County

monthly meeting @ 12-1:30 PM

National Training Center

1109 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, FL 34711

* Guest Speaker: Dan Bordenkircher, Manager of Sego’s Home Medical Equipment, 120 Citrus Tower Blvd. Suite #135, Clermont. (352) 242-9004 Web site: http://www.segohomemedicalequipment.com/

Topic – “Gadgets and Devices to Use at Home and Traveling”

1st Year Anniversary! October 6th, Friday

2006-10-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

RSVP for Luncheon: (352) 243-2098

On / Off Switch for Pain Discovered

2006-08-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Those who suffer from chronic pain have a choice: let your life be disrupted by constant pain or take pain medications that can also disrupt your life. Now new research reveals there is a new way to turn off the pain.

Chronic pain often begins with an injury or illness. Initially, the damaged nerves send pain signals to the brain. Once the damage has healed, the pain signals stop ... unless a kind of pain switch gets stuck in the on position. Until now, scientists did not know what that switch was.

Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center in New York discovered that the pain switch is a protein called protein kinase G (PKG). Their next goal is to discover the best way to block PKG and turn off the pain.

About 48 million Americans suffer from chronic pain.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Neuroscience, published online August 2006

Smoking Leads to Rheumatoid Arthritis

2006-08-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Genes play a big role in who we are and the kinds of diseases we are destined to get. But a new study shows genetic risk factors aren't necessary for one group of women who develop a painful joint disease. Smokers can develop rheumatoid arthritis without the most common gene that predisposes people to the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that worsens over time, making it difficult for sufferers to get around. It causes chronic inflammation of the joints, which leads to destruction of the bones around those joints. It also causes everything from fatigue, weakness and stiffness, to flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite and depression. People with the HLA-DRB1 SE genetic marker are more likely to develop the condition.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found the link between smoking and the disease after studying women taking part in a large health study in Iowa. Among women without the HLA-DRB1 SE marker, smoking nearly doubled the odds of having rheumatoid arthritis. Women with the gene were had the same risk whether or not they smoked.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, published online Aug. 2, 2006

Reminder - Next Meeting Friday, 8/4/06

2006-07-30T23:33:00.000-05:00

REMINDER

Our Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County will meet this Friday, August 4th, 12:00-1:30 PM at the National Training Center, 1109 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont. Please bring "finger food" snacks for all! Recipe cards too … Casual meeting with plenty of time to share. Welcome to those affected by Arthritis, family, friends and anyone interested. Pamphlets and literature available. Fee: FREE. For more information call 352-243-2098.

Don't Ignore Early Signs of Arthritis

2006-07-26T18:40:00.000-05:00

Rutland Herald, Vermont, CT
July 24, 2006

Dr. T. Glenn Pait, associate professor of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and director of the Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute at UAMS, thinks that treatment for arthritis should be multipronged.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 42 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis of some form; another 23.2 million people live with chronic joint symptoms but have not been diagnosed by a doctor.

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis isn't a disease that affects only older adults.More than half of the cases involve people younger than 65, including nearly 3 million children.

The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint and other connective tissue.

The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. Some forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, scleroderma and fibromyalgia.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, a chronic disease that causes a breakdown of the cushioning cartilage in joints and the formation of new bone at the margin of joints.
Read more ...

New Knees Designed for Women

2006-07-17T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of thousands of knee replacement surgeries are done every year. About two-thirds of the patients are women and, until now, there was a gender gap in the OR.

Annie Beylerian is making medical history. She’s one of the first to receive a revolutionary new knee implant specifically designed for women. “I couldn't walk," she says.

Dr. Michael Kelly, who helped design the new “gender solutions” knee, says it's shaped more like a woman's natural knee.

He says, "Women have a little different makeup in their knee’s anatomy than men do. If we were to look at that, they’re a little bit taller and they are a little bit narrower.”

A traditional implant is often too wide for a woman. The result can be pain and decreased function. The new gender-specific implant is designed for a better fit.

Dr. Kelly says, "You can see a very nice contour here. There’s a little bit different angle in the way the kneecap slides in and a little bit smaller amount of metal here, all to keep the patella-femoral mechanics. Or in plain terms, how your kneecap functions when you go up and down the stairs, or arise from a seat or drive a car.”

Replacement knees have been available in different sizes for years. This time it's the shape that counts.

Dr. Kelly says, "We went to right and lefts, which became even better than the symmetric knees which was one size kind of fit all and you figure out surgically how to correct it. But now this is just one step further.”

Dr. Kelly says that, for the moment, the gender solutions knee comes in one size. By the end of summer, it should be available in several sizes. continue reading ...

Abatacept/Methotrexate Combo Reduces Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Presented at EULAR

2006-07-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

By Chris Berrie

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS -- June 30, 2006 -- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a continual and increasing benefit effect when they are treated with the combination of abatacept and methotrexate (MTX), according to the open-label long-term extension of the randomised, double-blind Abatacept in Inadequate Responders to Methotrexate (AIM) study.

The findings of the (AIM-LTE) were presented here on June 23rd at the 2006 Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) by principal investigator Harry Genant, MD, professor emeritus, department of radiology and medicine, University of California San Francisco, and chairman of the board of directors, Synarc, San Francisco, California, United States.

Abatacept, a selective co-stimulation modulator that targets T-cell activation, has been demonstrated to have efficacy in patients with active RA who have an inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Continue reading article ...

REMINDER: Next ASG-SLC Meeting, 7/7, Friday

2006-07-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

REMINDER for Arthritis Support Group Members

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING OF SOUTH LAKE COUNTY - Welcome individuals affected by Arthritis, family members, friends, and anyone interested. Free brochures and literature available. We meet the 1st Friday of each month at the National Training Center, Clermont. The meeting starts 12:00-1:30 PM. Fee: FREE. Bring your sweater, lunch, or snacks to share if you want. For more information call Meg King at 352-243-2098.

______________________________________________________

NEXT MEETING - July 7th, Friday

Guest Speaker: Deanna Cuevas, L.M.T., from Total Family Health Care in Clermont. Topic: “Massage Your Cares Away” Massage Therapy; a Viable Treatment for Arthritis.

Stem Cell Receptors May Fight Arthritis & Autoimmune Diseases

2006-06-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

TUESDAY, June 27 (HealthDay News) -- New information about the role of bone marrow stem cells could lead to important advances in treating diseases like leukemia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Osaka University and Saga University of Japan, studied the purified bone marrow stem cells of laboratory mice. They discovered that these cells -- once thought to be essentially dormant -- can identify the presence of bacteria and viruses in the blood.

"We have long known that so-called hematopoietic (blood) stem cells create the blood cells that are the front-line soldiers in the body's immune system," study author and foundation researcher Paul Kincade said in a prepared statement. "But we did not believe that infectious agents played an active role in the process," he added.

Once the infectious agents have been identified, the stem cells begin defending the body against these foreign pathogens -- a fact that surprised the scientists.

"What we have now discovered is that these stem cells have a sort of antennae that detect bacteria and viruses," said Kincade. "And when stem cells receive these distress signals, they spring to action, creating cells the body most needs early in life-threatening situations," he said. That could mean very good news for patients with autoimmune diseases. Understanding the role of these stem cells means that scientists one day may be able to figure out how to manipulate these stem cells to benefit such patients.

"It may be possible to boost immunity when necessary and also shut down inappropriate responses. That could provide a powerful tool to fight cancer, lupus and many other diseases," Kincade said.

The findings appear in the June issue of the journal Immunity. -- Diana Kohnle

SOURCE: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, news release, June 20, 2006

Abbott receives FDA approval for new delivery device for Arthritis drug called Humira

2006-06-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

ABBOTT PARK, Ill (AFX) - Abbott Laboratories said it has received US Food and Drug Administration approval for a new 'pen' delivery device for its Humira arthritis drug. Currently, Humira is taken as an injection beneath the skin via a specially designed prefilled syringe, and the company said the Humira pen is designed to be less painful and easier to use. Humira is currently indicated for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and for active arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis, the company added. Abbott said the Humira pen will be available to US patients at the beginning of August. ... AFX News Limited / Forbes.com, June 26, 2006

Click To view Abbott Humira Pen and specifications

Abatacept for People with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

2006-06-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

Annals of Internal Medicine

20 June 2006 - Rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain and stiffness caused by an immune reaction to joint tissue linings. It damages the joints and can even destroy them. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the hands, feet, knees, shoulders, and wrists, but it can develop in any joint. There is no cure, but treatment improves signs and symptoms and slows joint damage. Treatment is with drugs that alter the body's immune reactions. Abatacept is a new drug that targets specific components of the immune system. Abatacept inhibits the specific immune cells that cause rheumatoid arthritis and has been shown to improve symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It has not been directly compared with drugs that are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate. Read more about this research project … Abatacept for People with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) Study Results

2006-06-19T15:32:00.000-05:00

February 22, 2006

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the popular dietary supplement combination of glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate did not provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain among all participants. However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate-to-severe pain showed significant relief with the combined supplements. Continue reading ... National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and National Institutes of Health

What is the AccuWeather Arthritis Index?

2006-06-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

The fact that weather has an effect on how arthritis is felt by its sufferers is well documented, with surveys showing as many as 93% of arthritis sufferers believing that weather affects their pain level, and 68% believing that weather severely affects their pain level. Patients with arthritis often claim they can predict the weather, based upon their pain level, and a number of studies have been conducted to test this hypothesis. While these studies show that the effects of weather can vary from person to person, many show that arthritis pain is increased by a variety of weather factors, which may swell inflamed arthritic joints, stretching the inflamed joint lining and capsule, thereby increasing the pain of arthritis. Among the types of weather that may increase joint sensitivity and arthritic pain are:

1. Changes in atmospheric pressure, especially falling pressure
2. Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature
3. High or increasing relative or absolute humidity
4. Relatively low atmospheric pressure
5. Low temperatures

Precipitation Arthritic pain can be especially severe when these conditions are combined, such as during chilly, damp weather when pressure is low and falling.

Now, AccuWeather has developed an index that combines all of the weather factors that may affect arthritis sufferers, and summarizes the most likely severity of weather-related arthritis pain in one easy-to-understand scale, from Low to Extreme. Available exclusively on AccuWeather.com, the AccuWeather Arthritis Index forecasts this level for each of the next several days, so arthritis sufferers can have advanced notice of when they are most likely to have increased pain, allowing them to take appropriate medication and to better plan activities.

We have the Accuweather.com Health Forecast ICON to the right of this Blog page. Click it and find out how your weather is going to affect your Arthritis today or next week. Now you can plan ahead!

Restless Leg Syndrome?

2006-06-16T23:35:00.000-05:00

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by sensations in the lower legs which lead to discomfort unless the legs are moved. Information on the cause, symptoms and treatment of restless legs syndrome. Although the relationship is unclear, several rheumatic conditions are associated with restless legs syndrome including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia... read more ... http://arthritis.about.com/

How to ease Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS):

Here's How:

1. Gently massage your legs, especially the calves toward the heart. Use liniment if you like.
2. Take a warm bath. If you have one, try a whirlpool bath.
3. Take a mild pain reliever in the evening when the sensations first set in.
4. Try some moderate exercise earlier in the day. Don't overdo. Strenuous exercise may aggravate the problem.
5. Avoid alcohol. Not only does it sometimes aggravate the restless legs, it also causes fragmented sleep.
6. Avoid caffeine. It can keep you awake and make your misery all the worse.
7. Nicotine is a stimulant and can worsen your problem as well as keep you awake.
8. Taking a multi vitamin/mineral supplement is sometimes helpful (magnesium might be helpful). For more information see the Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Today's Vitamin Guide.
9. Cold compresses often alleviate the crawly sensation.
10. Talk to your doctor about medications. Something you are taking may be aggravating or even causing the syndrome.
11. Also talk to your doctor about some of the drugs that have proven effective in the treatment of restless legs.
12. If all else fails, try walking away the misery.

Tips:

1. Restless legs syndrome is difficult to deal with but is not life threatening.
2. Good sleep hygiene, as in all sleep disorders, is always advisable.
3. If you can't sleep at night, and you can manage, it, try daytime naps when the misery has lessened.

Official web site for Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation: http://www.rls.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=178&srcid=-2

Another Story about Linda and her
creepy-crawly legs

Linda Sieh and her family live in Naper, Nebraska, a town of 110 people about two miles from the South Dakota border. It's quite a drive to Sioux Falls and even farther to Omaha, the two closest big cities. It was on one of these long drives 11 years ago that Linda's legs starting twitching, forcing her to pull over and stretch them. Later that year, her legs began jerking while sharp "creepy crawly" sensations shot through them. Bedtime became a dreaded event -- at night the jerking was so powerful and painful, it left her unable to sleep. At her worst point, Linda slept standing up five nights in a row. The exhaustion and confusion were making her life insufferable.

"I was so depressed," Linda says. "I thought I was the only person in the world who had this stupid thing; I had no idea what was happening." Continue ... RX.Magazine

When You're Amoung Friends

2006-06-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

As the last few people arrive, Frances Rolander, who started the monthly support group nine years ago, asks people to introduce themselves. Donna and Joe Huser, a couple who are longtime veterans of the group, start. Donna has dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other problems stemming from those conditions. Joe began coming to the group meetings with Donna when she was too weak to come on her own, but he quickly found that the meetings helped him immeasurably in understanding what his wife was going through. He's now developed osteoarthritis, which, he likes to joke, he got from the group.

Kathy Barker is a spunky, early-30-something who seems the picture of health except for the splints she wears to support her thumbs, which have been all but destroyed by osteoarthritis. Lisa Kenney, who's there for the first time, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis seven months ago and is learning how to cope with an illness while raising two young children and running a household. Jeanie Thigpen is recovering from knee surgery and walks with a cane. One hesitant young woman introduces herself only as Ruth.

There's palpable sense of relief in the room, a letting down of the guard. Here, at least, people understand what everyone's been going through. No need for explanations or defending health decisions; no need to worry about pity, or callousness, or faking good cheer. There's just a feeling of being heard, understood and supported by people who have stood in your shoes.
Some may come to the group skeptically, expecting to hear people whining and asking, "why me?" But complaining is not what this group is about... continued- Arthritis Foundation

Fibro U / Suite 101

2006-06-12T18:06:00.000-05:00

The Coping with Fibromyalgia Course at Suite U is a comprehensive guide, developed by FMers for FMers, authored and instructed by Carol Wallace, Ph.D., that provides invaluable information for coping with your illness ... Fibromyalgia Classes / Suite 101

New Medical Research for CFIDS

2006-06-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

Breaking News from The NCF...
Press Releases from The National CFIDS Foundation:
Potential Animal (Zoonotic) Virus Identified in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy >>> Needham, MA May 31, 2006
http://www.ncf-net.org/PressReleases.htm

"Project OutReach" is Happening NOW!

2006-06-11T00:17:00.000-05:00

"Project OutReach"

Our Arthritis Support Group website, blog journal and printed brochures will contain personal stories and articles for Arthritis sufferers, their families, and friends just as we do at our “face-to-face” (F2F) meetings. Maybe there are others still in the shadows of loneliness and chronic pain affected by all types Arthritis; Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus (SLE), Fibromyalgia, and many other forms.

Dear Arthritis Support Group Members, Supportive Friends
And Business Community of South lake County:

Now is the time to consider helping our Arthritis Support Group with our “Project OutReach” wesite, blog journal and printed brochures! Continue reading this message and help out as much as you can. Members, we will discuss it more at our next meeting on July 7th. Nothing will be publicized until you approve the graphics, articles and photos. The Arthritis Support Group’s goal called “Project Outreach” is to create tools to communicate with our local community and globally as Jane Perkins, our group member with a heart of gold, suggested in one of our meetings this last Spring. We need group members and supportive friends who would like to contribute to step up to the “plate” now and S-W-I-N-G!!!!

Printed BROCHURE and WEB SITE IDEAS WANTED!

Due Date for Drafts: July 7th Arthritis Support Group Meeting.

Need some S-H-O-R-T articles about tips for avoiding pain. Examples: cooking, brushing teeth, doing house cleaning, traveling on vacations, exercise, shoes, hobbies and etcetera. (Approximately 2500 characters including spaces.) Please sign anything you send in!

RECIPES and Cooking Tips! Some good cookin’ and healthy foods! Diet tips! Salads, main dishes, snacks! Food! Teas, desserts, party dips, party ideas and more. (Approximately 1500 characters including spaces.)

VISUAL ART - Photos, paintings, hobbies, crafts, drawings and pictures in ‘jpg’ extension format.

POEMS, short stories, editorials about how you cope with your arthritis and life. Creative writers wanted.

* ATTENTION: To Our Supportive Friends in the local business community of South Lake County, FL!

Here is an opportunity to advertise in our PREMIERE printed brochure for the Arthritis Support Group.

The brochure will be considered a tri-publication (3 times a year). We will need your AD slick, business card or existing AD by the due date of July 31, 2006. Contact: Meg King 352-243-2098 or email: arthritisgrpslc@cfl.rr.com.

Distribution / circulation: doctor offices, clinics, medical supplies, Kings Ridge, Summit Greens, churches, medical business; MRI, Dialysis, X-Rays, Labs, health fairs, pharmacies, libraries, health fairs, community events, emergency care centers, hospitals, & Wellness Centers.

Dear Blogger friends affected by Arthritis:

You too are invited to join us in "Project OutReach!" Please email your ideas, suggestions or questions to us at arthritisgrpslc@cfl.rr.com before July 25, 2006. Mail your photo or articles to: 204 Hideaway Ct., Minneola, FL 34715 if you would rather. We won't be able to return them. Thank you very much!

SM Blogger from United Kingdom - where are you?

2006-06-10T22:20:00.000-05:00

This is very interesting, I will pass to my aunt who is asufferer.
Thaanks

http://somethingfromme.blogspot.com

SM

Dear SM:

We just received your email message and want to thank you for your compliment about our Arthritis Blog Journal as "interesting". Unfortunately we cannot reach you because you didn't leave your email address. As a new blog site we want to thank you for recognizing us and our mission to reach out to people that suffer from the "invisible disease" of Arthritis. Passing on our blog address to a relative that has Arthritis is exactly what we hoped would happen when we launched this Arthritis blog site this Spring 2006.

June 2, Friday - Next Arthritis Support Group Meeting

2006-05-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Group Members and Supportive Friends in Lake County:

We will have our next Arthritis Support Group Meeting this Friday, June 2nd, at the National Training Center / Education Department, 1109 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont 34711, starting at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Bring your sweater and a snack. Pam Dickey, Physical Therapist, is our guest speaker and afterwards we will share and care with each other. Our web site will be sent up to cyber space (the Internet) this June 2006. Printed material and pamphlets available. Come join us again. We need your input! Fee: Free.

Indoor Pool vs Outdoor Pool?

2006-05-21T00:59:00.000-05:00

Our Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County, Florida, also is an activist group in our community to help identify and persuade potential donors (corporate and individuals) to build an indoor heated pool on our South Lake Hospital campus in Clermont, FL, for people in our area that need aquatic therapy and exercise since we can not tolerate cold water and land exercise. Go figure – we live in Florida and do not have an indoor pool for winter (It does get cold in Central Florida). Our Arthritis, surgeries, prescribed rehabilitation therapy, pre and post operative needs for aquatic exercise would be most beneficial in an indoor pool facility. An outdoor pool is too cold for people with Arthritis (typically 79-82 degrees). The Arthritis Foundation recommends water to be 83-86 degrees for aquatic exercise to be worthwhile. This is impossible to maintain 12 months out of the year in our area. Now is the time to build our indoor pool! Suggestions are welcome about this special project. Do you have an indoor pool in your area? What is it like? How did you spearhead a project like this one? How does one approach a Hospital Board of Directors and prove this project is worthwhile?

Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County May 2006 / News Update

2006-05-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County Members and Special Friends:

Our last Arthritis Support Group Meeting, May 5th, was great for everybody. Chris Wollitz, Pharmacy Manager at Walgreens on Bloxam Ave. & Hwy. 50, Clermont, was our special guest speaker. All the members and Chris sat casually around the table and it was very informal / comfortable. Good questions were asked and Chris gave important information about medications and supplements / herbs that might clash with each other. He also discussed different types of pain relievers too. We gave him a framed appreciation award from our group and a couple of chick-fil-a coupons for a free lunch. He really enjoyed the gift. Later that week Chris told me how much it helped him to meet people with arthritis "in person" not just over the pharmacy counter everyday at work. It gave him a better insight about his clients at the pharmacy. Nice.

Yes, the core membership of our support group is supportive with our new name change, "Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County." They also had many ideas on how the group can continue - such as finances - pass the basket each meeting (no requirement just a dollar if possible) to pay for ink cartridges, postage, paper, flowers or cards when someone gets sick, a similar brochure to pass out to people and doctors offices in area, and small support group meeting announcement cards (postcard or business card size that all members can use to share with others.)

Jane wants to continue with an "Out Reach" approach toward the community by sending brochures and meeting announcements to doctors' offices and clinics.

"I think we should start an Out Reach which the brochures and make sure they are send to doctors' offices. That's where the people with Arthritis are and they don't know what to do for themselves. We can get the message out to them there." - Jane Perkins, ASG - SLC Member

All members agreed to continue with special guest speakers. We will compile a list and vote on the next guest speaker and then invite the person to come visit us.

I asked if the group would like to have one of our meetings in the summer at the NTC pool and spend time to learn aquatic exercise during that meeting. I am hoping to get permission from NTC to bring the Arthritis Support Group members to the pool for one meeting this summer. Wee, a field trip that we all would love! Maybe we could all bring a "finger-food" snack that day to munch on before we climb into the pool. Maybe we could get one of the physical therapists from NTC / Rehab Services to speak that day then demonstrate water exercises to the group. I will check into this possibility.

The group also considered putting together a tri-fold brochure instead of a long newsletter for our group, the purpose and description about our group and some newsy stuff. A couple of businesses in the area can be included as advertisements so we can absorb the costs for this valuable communication tool.

"Can you tell me what we are trying to do with the renamed group? Yes, it is to promote and exchange knowledge amongst sufferers and their friends and families. But are we still trying to get the library, pool, and whatever else we need?" -Mario Lay, ASG-SLC Member

Yes, the group and its goals remain the same only the name has been changed.

In the future we hope to create an Arthritis Resource Library Center in Clermont and work toward an indoor pool for the community. We are filling out an application for a grant to be sent in next fall 2006 to start the Arthritis Resource Library.

Speaking of needing a new indoor pool - Women, men and children with chronic physical conditions would benefit tremendously with indoor pool aquatic therapy. The indoor pool, Jacuzzi /whirlpool, handicap chair lift and aquatic physical therapy with controlled water temperature will help improve their quality of life. South Lake Hospital hopefully will reach an understanding that South Lake County needs this service for their patients as a treatment option. Hospice, Special Olympics and NTC Sports Training and Rehabilitation all would benefit from an indoor pool facility at the National Training Center, Clermont, which is operated by South Lake Hospital (ORMC).

Our Arthritis Support Group core membership is strong, dedicated and growing every time we meet.

I am excited about what the future holds for each member and our support group as a whole. The possibilities can be endless while we stay open minded, continue to share, support and educate each other when we gather together at the NTC monthly. Life is precious to us and we understand when one of us becomes depressed or needs a hug when we are together at our meetings. We want to take control of our lives and not let Arthritis take control of us!

When attending an Arthritis Support Group of Lake County meeting we immediately feel at home because we are with others that understand us. The women and men in our support group are going through the same situations and are dealing with similar issues of Arthritis with themselves or with their family and friends.

Our membership for the Arthritis Support Group of South Lake County is open to people with Arthritis (there are more than 100 types of Arthritis!), family members and friends of those affected by Arthritis. The medical community is welcome to visit our meetings too.

Warmest Regards to all,
Meg King, Volunteer Arthritis Support Group Leader

2006-05-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

About our Arthritis Support Group Meetings of South Lake County - Clermont, Florida

We spend time in our “face-to-face” (f2f) once a month support group meetings sharing our own personal stories about how we "LIVE" not just "survive" with our Arthritis and chronic pain one day at a time. Special guest speakers give presentations at the beginning of our meetings then we take time to share and comfort members until it is time to go home. We are not in a great rush to go home either because our spending time with others that understand us is a form of healing and comfort we really enjoy. So we dawdle… Our display tables at the meetings are loaded with current information, pamphlets, books, videos, samples and brochures to help us learn about our illnesses and become aware of our options to live a healthier and more comfortable life. We also stay in touch with each other and our newly adopted "pen pals" as far away as Ireland by email or old fashioned letter writing (ah, a lost craft.)

What are your meetings like? How do you deal with your Arthritis? What helps you feel better?